Accident
Shortly after takeoff from runway 20, the aircraft struck treetops, stalled, and crashed in a wooded area near the airport. Both passengers sustained minor injuries, while the pilot was seriously injured. The aircraft was destroyed and damaged beyond repair.
Investigation
The director of operations for the operator reported that soft field conditions and standing water on the runway slowed the airplane during the takeoff roll. The airplane failed to lift off in time to clear trees at the end of the runway and sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage when it collided with the trees.
The pilot stated that he used partial power at the beginning of the takeoff roll to avoid hitting standing water with full power. After passing most of the water, he applied full power, but the airplane did not accelerate as expected. He recalled the airplane being in a nose-high attitude and the main wheels bouncing several times before the airplane impacted the trees at the end of the runway.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause is the pilot's delayed application of full power during a soft/wet field takeoff, resulting in a collision with trees during takeoff.